Australia vs England 2nd Test: The second match of the Ashes Test series between Australia and England will be played from Today at the Gabba ground in Brisbane. Australia won the first Test match in Perth convincingly and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Now, while Australia will be looking to continue their winning run at the Gabba, England will be aiming to make a comeback.
This match between Australia and England will be played as a day-night game. England hasn't won an Ashes Test at the Gabba since 1986. They are also looking for their first win on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series. Australia has a good record in day-night Test matches, but they can't forget their eight-run loss to the West Indies at the Gabba last January. The Gabba is a ground where the Australian team has been almost invincible for decades.
Australia secured a resounding eight-wicket victory in the first Test match played in Perth, and the team will be looking to maintain that momentum in the second match. Meanwhile, England will be aiming to bounce back and level the series with a win. This makes for a potentially very exciting contest.
Injury Concern for Both Teams
The Australian and English teams are ready to clash on the bouncy Gabba pitch and face the challenge of the pink ball. However, both teams are grappling with injured players. Usman Khawaja, who did not take the field in the second innings of the first Test, has now been ruled out of the second Ashes Test due to a back injury. Captain Pat Cummins is also not fully fit, and his participation looks doubtful.
It is hoped that they will be fit to return for the third Test, which starts on December 17. Meanwhile, England is also struggling with injuries. Fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out due to a knee injury, and all-rounder Will Jacks has been added to the squad as his replacement.
Great Opportunity for Marnus Labuschagne
In this Pink Ball Test Australian star batsman Marnus Labuschagne has a golden opportunity to make history. He is very close to scoring 1000 runs in day-night Test matches. He needs just 42 runs in the Gabba Test to reach this milestone. If Labuschagne succeeds in doing so, he will become the first batsman in the world to score 1000 runs in day-night Tests.
Marnus Labuschagne has had an outstanding record in day-night Tests. He has scored 958 runs in 15 innings across 9 day-night Test matches at an impressive average of 63.86. During this time, he has scored four centuries and four half-centuries. Steve Smith is second on the list.
Gabba Pitch Report
The Gabba in Brisbane offers pace and bounce to the bowlers, which can trouble the batsmen. The ball also gets good bounce and lateral movement. Early pictures of the pitch suggest that there will be grass on the surface, which will further assist the fast bowlers. The pitch might be slightly easier for batting in the afternoon on the second and third days. However, at night, the bowlers will get good pace and carry, which will make things difficult for the batsmen.
Australia Squad for 2nd Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (w), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland, Beau Webster, Michael Neser.
England Playing-11 for 2nd Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (w), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
The second Test match between Australia and England will be telecast live in India on the Star Sports network. Fans can watch the match live on various Star Sports channels. Additionally, Indian fans can enjoy live streaming of the match on the JioHotstar app and website.
